For Sale Kidde 6.0 (4 Stage) Compressor

[Dawgdirt]

The new motor is a 3 hp 1750 rpm 220V single phase direct drive to the pump.
This 4 Stage pump that is actually running 3.0 CFM not the advertised 6.0 CFM (One Half Speed)
This should make the pump last forever. The motor can be swapped to a 5hp, 5hp 3450 rpm but will draw more amps. I chose the slower motor so that i could run it on with my boat's generator. I Never found a suitable place on my boat nor rewired the Genny to 220V.
It is reported that these can run at 4500 psi and are clean enough for gas blending.
https://youtu.be/RcwAdNe15h4

The pump was originally used in bench testing other equipment and was reported to have less than 50 hours runtime. I have added less than two.
Asking $3000
Unit also includes a fill whip and surround frame. Better pictures coming soon. Two rebuild Kits. One is missing a few pieces.
This 4 Stage pump, WALTER KIDDE PART NO. 894780, is a current component of the M60 Tank now built under new manufacturer.

 

[Dawgdirt]

The inherent design of these units has been proven for over 50 years. Originally designed to free .50 Cal jammed shells in aircraft mounted guns. This model is current on the M60 Tank to expel unused propellant from the barrel of the main tank gun before next shot can be Loaded. (A pair of these is used to generate the blow) Notice the puff after the shot is fired in this video at the 34 second mark.. https://youtu.be/3Rbqb7WVgpk

 

[Dawgdirt]

Ok Check this video from Today

 

[Curious_George]

I’m surprised there have been no comments on this compressor. It seems super nice, although not that common. Would be interested to hear what’s not to like about it from anyone. Granted it’s not a Rix, but if you are ok with oiled compressors, it seems a pretty good machine. Do we know what the duty cycle is at 3 or 6cfm? Kiddie is a great brand right?

 

[tbone1004]

Continuous duty at lower speeds. Probably low interest due to being in California. Kidde is well respected for small pumps

 

[2airishuman]

Would be interested to hear what’s not to like about it from anyone. [...] Do we know what the duty cycle is at 3 or 6cfm?

It's a 50 year old pump. They're said to be reliable and it will work great, probably for a long time, until it doesn't, and then there's no longer any meaningful availability of parts and service. So if you get a leak in an intercooler you're pretty much done unless you can find a runout donor machine you can strip for parts. In their original military application they were hydraulic drive and there are custom-machined parts used to convert them to electric drive. If any of that fails you'll be talking to a machinist and guessing at tolerances and the type of steel required. I had a 2.2 Kiddie and had a bad experience which I have written about elsewhere -- ultimately I was unable to get the pump to work, returned it to the seller for a refund, and parted out the rest of my setup.

These were built to be small and lightweight, and they are smaller and lighter than anything commercially available now. They are loud due to the high crankshaft speed, and are (if all goes well) good for perhaps 1000 hours (at 3600 rpm) after which they need new cylinders and rings, again parts availability is problematic.

While I have no quarrel with the seller and hope for his sake that he finds a buyer at his asking price, I would point out that new units of comparable capacity are available from Mako and Bauer for around $5000 which includes a warranty and an international dealer network offering parts and service.

These pumps are continuous duty.

 

[Dawgdirt]

It's a 50 year old pump. They're said to be reliable and it will work great, probably for a long time, until it doesn't, and then there's no longer any meaningful availability of parts and service. So if you get a leak in an intercooler you're pretty much done unless you can find a runout donor machine you can strip for parts. In their original military application they were hydraulic drive and there are custom-machined parts used to convert them to electric drive. If any of that fails you'll be talking to a machinist and guessing at tolerances and the type of steel required. I had a 2.2 Kiddie and had a bad experience which I have written about elsewhere -- ultimately I was unable to get the pump to work, returned it to the seller for a refund, and parted out the rest of my setup.

These were built to be small and lightweight, and they are smaller and lighter than anything commercially available now. They are loud due to the high crankshaft speed, and are (if all goes well) good for perhaps 1000 hours (at 3600 rpm) after which they need new cylinders and rings, again parts availability is problematic.

While I have no quarrel with the seller and hope for his sake that he finds a buyer at his asking price, I would point out that new units of comparable capacity are available from Mako and Bauer for around $5000 which includes a warranty and an international dealer network offering parts and service.

These pumps are continuous duty.

It is a good point on the parts. This includes two rebuild kits. But treated right, these are built to last in the worst conditions, (Battle tested & Battle Hardened)

 

[Dawgdirt]

Intercooler is another good point. Today there are several mfg.'s of spiral finned tubing that can be added to improve the cooling or replace old. If you know how to flare and bend.
On an older Stewart Warner I built I considered adding loops to improve the cooling until I was schooled on using an infrared heat gun to see if I really had a problem. LOL.
If it ain't broke...
Lots of good info about these "old" compressors at the Groups.io site.

CompressorTeam groups.io Group

Compressor, surplus compressors; Enthusiasts repairing, modifying and operating high-pressure air compressors for applications to paintball or scuba welcome you to join this group. Share or contribute your DIY experiences on these quality, small and powerful surplus military machines (like...

groups.io

 

[RW916]

Is compressor still for sale?

 

[Dawgdirt]

Yes it is still for sale. now asking $1500 Firm.
Located in Carlsbad, CA